Boro rounded off their season in style, denting Manchester’s title hopes in the process with a 3-2 win and goals from Kilbride, O’Brien and Bettson on Sunday at Thornaby Pavilion in front of special guest Kay Murray, a.k.a. Football Barbie and the famous Red Faction.

Kay Murray, Boro’s own international star who presents for Real Madrid TV was invited along by manager Damon Shaw who presented her with a personalised “Futsal Barbie” top from the team, in her favourite colour, pink, before kick off.

Middlesbrough started the game unable to qualify for the national playoffs, and with only a say in the destination of the title to play for, boss Damon Shaw named five youth players in the squad and clearly had one eye on The FA Futsal Cup and next season with his selection.

Manchester came out the blocks strongly, as expected and pressed Middlesbrough back into their own half forcing Middlesbrough to play direct.Boro went in at half time trailing to a narrow 2-1 deficit that could have been more had Manchester converted their 10 metre penalty just before the break.

Having trailed at the break in recent matches, Boro were no strangers to the situation and were confident of overturning the scoreline and it was Sean O’Brien who levelled the scores.Robbie Bettson then gave Boro the lead a few moments later, capitalising on a long ball forward.

Boro, backed in goal up by man of the match Eliot Brown kept the league leaders at bay and took the three points, capping off an excellent second half of the season to the delight of the noisy fans.

Manager Damon Shaw was delighted with the way his team ended the league season. “We started badly and didn’t get into our stride until it was too late, but as promised we were a different team in the second half of the season.We have beaten every team at least once, including the two who will go to the playoffs.It’s been a fantastic turnaround and that is thanks in no small part to the support we have had from the Red Faction this season.

“We have the FA Futsal Cup coming up, then we start preparing for next season, which, with the backing of the fans promises to be an exciting one for both Boro teams”, continued Shaw.

Kay Murray, visiting Boro for a long weekend took in her first futsal match, despite living and working in Spain where the game is huge and really enjoyed the experience.“I could watch this every week,” she said and went on to praise the support offered by the Red Faction on her twitter account @KayLMurray.

“At @BoroFutsal. The Red Faction rule - small group of fans that are almost as noisy as the town on a Sat night!”

Middlesbrough Futsal Club are attempting to break a world record in July and are also on the lookout for players for next season.For more information and to get involved, visit www.BoroFutsal.com

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